Product piercing tag

ABSTRACT

A tag is configured to be inserted into a product. The tag includes a label portion and an insertion portion. The label portion has a first width. The insertion portion extends from the label portion, has a second width that is less than the first width, and has a length. An elongated wire extends along the length of the insertion portion to at least a part of the label portion. The tag has sufficient rigidity to enable a user to hold the label portion and force the insertion portion into the product. In another aspect, a method of attaching a tag to a product is described. The method includes holding the label portion and forcing the insertion portion into the product.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority of US Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/810,459 filed Feb. 26, 2019 for “Product PiercingTag;” the priority application is hereby incorporated by reference inits entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure is directed to tags for labeling merchandise, andmore particularly to tags bearing printed information and formed with arelatively rigid, elongated element for insertion into a merchandiseproduct.

Labeling or marking of merchandise with printed matter is oftendesirable to provide information to various entities in the production,transportation, and marketing channels as well as to the ultimateconsumer. The printed matter may provide information regardingmerchandise identification and price and may take the form of, forexample, machine readable or scannable material (such as codes comprisedof bars or characters) and human readable material (such as charactersand graphical or pictorial matter).

SUMMARY

An aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a tag configured tobe inserted into a product. The tag includes a label portion and aninsertion portion. The label portion has a first width. The insertionportion extends from the label portion, has a second width that is lessthan the first width, and has a length. An elongated wire extends alongthe length of the insertion portion to at least a part of the labelportion. The tag has sufficient rigidity to enable a user to hold thelabel portion and force the insertion portion into the product.

In another aspect, a method of attaching a tag to a product isdescribed. The method includes holding the label portion and forcing theinsertion portion into the product.

This disclosure, in its various combinations, may also be characterizedby the following listing of items:

-   1. A tag configured to be inserted into a product, the tag    including:    -   a label portion having a first width;    -   an insertion portion:        -   extending from the label portion;        -   having a second width that is less than the first width; and        -   having a length;    -   wherein an elongated wire extends along the length of the        insertion portion to at least a part of the label portion;    -   the tag having sufficient rigidity to enable a user to hold the        label portion and force the insertion portion into the product.-   2. The tag of item 1 including indicia disposed on the label    portion.-   3. The tag of any of items 1-2 including first indicia disposed on a    first surface of the label portion and second indicia disposed on a    second opposing surface of the label portion.-   4. The tag of any of items 1-3 wherein the label portion and    insertion portion are integrally fabricated from a first sheet and a    polymeric layer adhered to the first sheet such that the wire is    encased within the polymeric layer.-   5. The tag of item 4 including a second sheet adhered to the    polymeric layer opposite the first sheet.-   6. The tag of item 5 wherein at least one of the first sheet and    second sheet includes a polymer.-   7. The tag of any of items 4-6 wherein the polymeric layer is formed    from a material having a hardness range of about 90 Rockwell R to    about 110 Rockwell R.-   8. The tag of any of items 1-7, wherein the wire exhibits a    dead-fold property.-   9. The tag of any of items 1-8 wherein the insertion portion    includes an arrow-shaped head.-   10. The tag of any of items 1-9 wherein the label portion is    symmetric about the wire.-   11. The tag of any of items 1-10 wherein the wire has a tensile    strength in a range of about 90 ksi to about 125 ksi.-   12. A method of attaching a tag to a product, the tag including:    -   a label portion having a first width;    -   an insertion portion:        -   extending from the label portion;        -   having a second width that is less than the first width; and        -   having a length;    -   wherein an elongated wire extends along the length of the        insertion portion to at least a part of the label portion;    -   the method including:        -   holding the label portion; and        -   forcing the insertion portion into the product.-   13. The method of item 12 including bending the tag at a transition    area between the label portion and the insertion portion to change    an orientation of the label portion with respect to the product.

14. The method of item 13 wherein the bending is performed along abending axis that is substantially perpendicular to the length of theinsertion portion.

15. The method of any of items 12-14 wherein a puncture load of forcingthe insertion portion into the product is in a range of about 1.5 poundsto about 2.5 pounds.

This summary is provided to introduce concepts in simplified form thatare further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary isnot intended to identify key features or essential features of thedisclosed or claimed subject matter and is not intended to describe eachdisclosed embodiment or every implementation of the disclosed or claimedsubject matter. Specifically, features disclosed herein with respect toone embodiment may be equally applicable to another. Further, thissummary is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope ofthe claimed subject matter. Many other novel advantages, features, andrelationships will become apparent as this description proceeds. Thefigures and the description that follow more particularly exemplifyillustrative embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosed subject matter will be further explained with reference tothe attached figures, wherein like structure or system elements arereferred to by like reference numerals throughout the several views. Itis contemplated that all descriptions are applicable to like andanalogous structures throughout the several embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a productpiercing tag aligned for insertion into a portion of a product.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the product with the tag inserted into aportion thereof.

FIG. 3 is similar to FIG. 2 but shows bending of the tag after insertionof the tag into a product.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the tag in a bent configuration andremoved from the product.

FIG. 5A is a front view of the tag of FIGS. 1-4.

FIG. 5B is a rear view of the tag of FIGS. 1-4 and 5A.

FIG. 6A is a front view of a second exemplary product piercing tag.

FIG. 6B is a rear view of the tag of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7A is a front view of a third exemplary product piercing tag.

FIG. 7B is a rear view of the tag of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 5B,showing a first exemplary assembly for production of a product piercingtag.

FIG. 9 is similar to FIG. 8, but shows a second exemplary assembly forproduction of a product piercing tag.

FIG. 10 is similar to FIG. 8, but shows a third exemplary assembly forproduction of a product piercing tag.

FIG. 11 is a front view of a fourth exemplary product piercing tag.

FIG. 12 is a front view of a fifth exemplary product piercing tag.

FIG. 13 is a front view of a sixth exemplary product piercing tag.

FIG. 14 is a front view of a seventh exemplary product piercing tag.

FIG. 15 is a front view of an eighth exemplary product piercing tag.

While the above-identified figures set forth one or more embodiments ofthe disclosed subject matter, other embodiments are also contemplated,as noted in the disclosure. In all cases, this disclosure presents thedisclosed subject matter by way of representation and not limitation. Itshould be understood that numerous other modifications and embodimentscan be devised by those skilled in the art that fall within the scope ofthe principles of this disclosure.

The figures may not be drawn to scale. In particular, some features maybe enlarged relative to other features for clarity. Moreover, whereterms such as above, below, over, under, top, bottom, side, right, left,vertical, horizontal, etc., are used, it is to be understood that theyare used only for ease of understanding the description. It iscontemplated that structures may be oriented otherwise.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A tag of the present disclosure includes a label portion and aninsertion portion and may be used in a variety of agriculturalproduction, other commercial, educational, retail, and decorativeapplications. For example, while the illustrations show use of exemplarytags with a produce product, the tags may also be used with otherproducts amenable to insertion of a tag, including, for example, meatproducts, household goods, and other items. Other contemplatedapplications for tag 20 include use in agronomy as a soil sample markeror plant marker; use as a decorative spike for desserts, cakes, cheeseand other baked or food items; use as an organ or other identifier oncadavers for educational anatomy laboratories; and use as labels forpenetrable products such as candles and other wax products. Whenreferring to a specific embodiment of a tag, a letter may follow thereference numeral 20. When referring to a tag of the disclosure ingeneral, the description may state “tag 20.”

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of aproduct piercing tag 20 a positioned proximate a food product 22. In theillustrated embodiment, product 22 is a cabbage head; however, it iscontemplated that tag 20 can be used with many forms of products orarticles having a penetrable outer surface. Tag 20 a includes anintegrally formed label portion 26 a and insertion portion 24 a. A rearsurface 46 of tag 20 a is visible. Label portion 26 a is configured todisplay indicia 28 thereon, such as on rear surface 46 and/or frontsurface 44 (shown in FIG. 2), for example. Label portion 26 may alsoserve as a handle for manually holding and forcing insertion portion 24a into product 22.

As shown in FIG. 2, insertion portion 24 a has been forced into aportion of product 22. In the illustrated example, insertion portion 24a is no longer visible, yet label portion 26 a with indicia 28 thereonremains visible. Compared to the side perspective view of FIG. 2, FIG. 3is a top perspective view of product 22, wherein label portion 26 a hasbeen bent with respect to insertion portion 24 a. FIG. 4 is aperspective view of the tag 20 a of FIG. 3 removed from product 22 toillustrate the bent configuration. In this example, tag 20 a is bent sothat portions 24 a and 26 a are disposed at an angle a relative to eachother that is approximately a right angle (about 90 radial degrees). Inconjunction with any particular display application, a user may chooseto retain tag 20 in a flat configuration or bend it into variousconfigurations so that label portion 26 and indicia 28 have a desiredorientation with respect to product 22.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an exemplary tag 20 aligned forinsertion into a product 22. In an exemplary method of application oftag 20 to product 22, a wire 42 of tag 20 (explained in more detailbelow) is aligned substantially along an insertion axis 50 so thatinsertion portion 24 is directed toward product 22 (for example, towarda center of product 22). Moreover, in a product such as a cabbage head,a core 52 of the product 22 is more dense than leafy portions of thecabbage head. Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment, a portion of aproduct may be more suitable for insertion and retention of tag 20 thanother parts of the product. While the illustrated insertion axis 50passes through a center portion of product 22, it is contemplated thatan insertion direction may differ from that shown. In an exemplarymethod of use, a user attaches tag 20 to product 22 by piercing aportion of product 22 with insertion portion 24 by force and motionalong insertion axis 50. As shown in FIG. 3, in one method of changingan orientation of label portion 26 with respect to product 22, the labelportion 26 can be bent along a bending axis 54 that is substantiallyperpendicular to the insertion axis 50.

Once the insertion portion 24 is attached to the item 22, the labelportion 26 may prominently display indicia 28, such as textual,graphical, colored, human or machine readable information (e.g., barcodes, quick response codes, RFID tags), or internet addresses, forexample, about the attached product item 22. Label portion 26 mayinclude readable or otherwise discernable information about product 22,such as the produce type, PLU codes, UPC codes, brand information,storage and use instructions, producer information, and the like. Thus,tag 20 provides a convenient and effective mechanism for prominentlydisplaying indicia 28.

FIGS. 1-4, 5A and 5B illustrate a first exemplary embodiment for tag 20,labeled as tag 20 a. Other shapes for tag 20 are also illustrated asnon-limiting examples. For example, FIGS. 6A and 6B show tag 20 b; FIGS.7A and 7B show tag 20 c; FIG. 11 shows tag 20 d; FIG. 12 shows tag 20 e;FIG. 13 shows tag 20 f; FIG. 14 shows tag 20 g; and FIG. 15 shows tag 20h. While these tags have different shapes and design configurations,they maintain many common attributes. Thus, when discussing theircommonalities, the letter designations may be dropped. Moreover, whileparticular embodiments are illustrated, it is contemplated that otherconfigurations may also be used, including a tag 20 with more than oneinsertion portion 24 and/or more than one label portion 26, for example.

As shown in tag 20 a of FIGS. 1-4, 5A and 5B, insertion portion 24 a hasan arrow-shaped head 56 a with a blunted tip 60 a. Insertion head 56 ais configured with oppositely extending barbs 58 a that extend laterallyaway from wire 42, which in an exemplary embodiment bisects at leastinsertion portion 24 a of tag 20 a, and in some embodiments bisectsentire tag 20 a. A width W_(I) of insertion portion 24 a is smallest attip 60 a and increases at barbs 58 a, which terminate at shoulders 62 tojoin a shaft 64 of insertion portion 24 a, which is joined to labelportion 26 a. Shaft 64 is shown as having a generally uniform widthdimension (between barbs 58 a and label portion 26 a), but it iscontemplated that the shaft width can be non-uniform, such as tapered,serrated or curved, for example. In exemplary embodiments, wire 42serves to stiffen insertion portion 24 a to facilitate its penetrationinto product 22. Wire 42 may extend into part of label portion 26 a orentirely across label portion 26 a.

As shown in tag 20 b of FIGS. 6A and 6B, insertion portion 24 b has anarrow-shaped head 56 b with a rounded tip 60 b. Insertion head 56 b isconfigured with oppositely extending barbs 58 b that extend laterallyaway from wire 42, which in an exemplary embodiment bisects at leastinsertion portion 24 b of tag 20 b, and in some embodiments bisects anentire tag 20 b. A width Wi of insertion portion 24 b is smallest at tip60 b and increases at barbs 58 b, which terminate at shoulders 62 tojoin shaft 64 of insertion portion 24 b, which is joined to labelportion 26 b. In exemplary embodiments, wire 42 serves to stiffeninsertion portion 24 b to facilitate its penetration into product 22.Tip 60 b is more rounded as compared to tip 60 a of tag 20 a of FIGS. 5Aand 5B. Moreover, label portion 26 b has a recess 68 that corresponds inshape to the tip 60 b. Accordingly, when multiple tags 20 b are formedin a web-based in-line manufacturing process, rows of tags 20 b can benested together, with tips 60 b positioned against recesses 68 ofadjacent tags 20 b. Wire 42 may extend into part of label portion 26 bor entirely across label portion 26 b.

As shown in tag 20 c of FIGS. 7A and 7B, insertion portion 24 c has anarrow-shaped head 56 c with a blunted tip 60 c. Insertion head 56 c isconfigured with oppositely extending barbs 58 c that extend laterallyaway from wire 42, which in an exemplary embodiment bisects at leastinsertion portion 24 c of tag 20 c, and in some embodiments bisects anentire tag 20 c. A width Wi of insertion portion 24 c is smallest at tip60 c and increases at barbs 58 c, which terminate at shoulders 62 tojoin shaft 64 of insertion portion 24 c, which is joined to labelportion 26 c. In exemplary embodiments, wire 42 serves to stiffeninsertion portion 24 c to facilitate its penetration into product 22.Label portion 26 c is shaped differently than label portions 26 a or 26b, in that label portion 26 c has straighter (less curved) edges E alongeach side of shaft 64 of insertion portion 24 c, wherein those edges Eare generally co-linear. Wire 42 may extend into part of label portion26 c or entirely across label portion 26 c.

As shown in tag 20 d of FIG. 11, insertion portion 24 d has anarrow-shaped head 56 d with a blunted tip 60 d. Insertion head 56 d isconfigured with oppositely extending barbs 58d that extend laterallyaway from wire 42, which in an exemplary embodiment bisects at leastinsertion portion 24 d of tag 20 d, and in some embodiments bisects anentire tag 20 d. A width Wi of insertion portion 24 d is smallest at tip60 d and increases at barbs 58d, which terminate at shoulders 62 to joinshaft 64 of insertion portion 24 d, which is joined to label portion 26d. In exemplary embodiments, wire 42 serves to stiffen insertion portion24 d to facilitate its penetration into product 22. Label portion 26 dhas a rounded rectangular shape with large radius corners. Wire 42 mayextend into part of label portion 26 d or entirely across label portion26 d.

As shown in tag 20 e of FIG. 12, insertion portion 24 e has anarrow-shaped head 56 e with a blunted tip 60 e. Insertion head 56 e isconfigured with oppositely extending barbs 58 e that extend laterallyaway from wire 42, which in an exemplary embodiment bisects at leastinsertion portion 24 e of tag 20 e, and in some embodiments bisects anentire tag 20 e. A width _(I) of insertion portion 24 e is smallest attip 60 e and increases at barbs 58 e, which terminate at shoulders 62 tojoin shaft 64 of insertion portion 24 e, which is joined to labelportion 26 e. In exemplary embodiments, wire 42 serves to stiffeninsertion portion 24 e to facilitate its penetration into product 22.Label portion 26 e has a circular shape. Wire 42 may extend into part oflabel portion 26 e or entirely across label portion 26 e.

As shown in tag 20 f of FIG. 13, insertion portion 24 f has anarrow-shaped head 56 f with a blunted tip 60 f. Insertion head 56 f isconfigured with oppositely extending barbs 58 f that extend laterallyaway from wire 42, which in an exemplary embodiment bisects at leastinsertion portion 24 f of tag 20 f, and in some embodiments bisects anentire tag 20 f. A width W_(I) of insertion portion 24 f is smallest attip 60 f and increases at barbs 58 f, which terminate at shoulders 62 tojoin shaft 64 of insertion portion 24 f, which is joined to labelportion 26 f. In exemplary embodiments, wire 42 serves to stiffeninsertion portion 24 f to facilitate its penetration into product 22.Label portion 26 f has a shape that is symmetrical about wire 42, with acurvilinear perimeter. Wire 42 may extend into part of label portion 26f or entirely across label portion 26 f.

As shown in tag 20 g of FIG. 14, insertion portion 24 g has anarrow-shaped head 56 g with a blunted tip 60 g. Insertion head 56 g isconfigured with oppositely extending barbs 58 g and 58 g′ that extendlaterally away from wire 42, which is offset asymmetrically on one sideof label portion 26 g and bisects insertion portion 24 g. In theillustrated example, barbs 58 g on a top portion of insertion portion 24g are more numerous and shaped differently than barbs 58 g′ on a bottomportion of insertion portion 24 g. A width Wi of insertion portion 24 gis smallest at tip 60 g and increases at barb 58 g′, which terminates atshoulder 62 to join a shaft 64 of insertion portion 24 g, which isjoined to label portion 26 g. In exemplary embodiments, wire 42 servesto stiffen insertion portion 24 g to facilitate its penetration intoproduct 22. Label portion 26 g has a substantially square shape. Wire 42may extend into part of label portion 26 g or entirely across labelportion 26 g.

As shown in tag 20 h of FIG. 15, insertion portion 24 h has anarrow-shaped head 56 h with a blunted tip 60 h. Insertion head 56 h isconfigured with oppositely extending barbs 58 h and 58 h′ that extendlaterally away from wire 42, which is offset asymmetrically on one sideof label portion 26 h and bisects insertion portion 24 h. In theillustrated example, barbs 58 h on a top portion of insertion portion 24h are more numerous and shaped differently than barbs 58 h′ on a bottomportion of insertion portion 24 h. A width W_(I) of insertion portion 24h is smallest at tip 60 h and increases at barb 58 h′, which terminatesat shoulder 62 to join a shaft 64 of insertion portion 24 h, which isjoined to label portion 26 h. In exemplary embodiments, wire 42 servesto stiffen insertion portion 24 h to facilitate its penetration intoproduct 22. Label portion 26 h has a substantially circular shape. Wire42 may extend into part of label portion 26 h or entirely across labelportion 26 h.

As shown in FIGS. 5A-7B and 11-15, various shapes and configurations canbe used for the insertion portion 24 and label portion 26 of tag 20. Tag20 of the present disclosure can have any desired geometry, includingthose of figures, persons, objects, animals, vehicles, flowers, andother decorative or novelty shapes. The particular geometry for thelabel portion 26 of tag 20 and its associated insertion portion 24 maybe generated with a die cutter, for example.

In exemplary embodiments, wire 42 is positioned longitudinally along amid-line of shaft 64 of insertion portion 24. In tags 20 a-20 f,insertion portion 24 is positioned to essentially bisect tag 20.However, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the insertion portion 24 can alsobe offset relative to label portion 26. Thus, label portion 26 can besymmetrical or asymmetrical about insertion portion 24. Moreover,different configurations of barbs 58 can be used, which can besymmetrical with respect to wire 42, as shown in FIGS. 5A-7B and FIGS.11-13. Alternatively, barbs 58 of insertion portion 24 can beasymmetrical with respect to wire 42, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15.Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, for example, the barbs of asingle insertion portion 24 need not be identical.

In the illustrated embodiments, each tag 20 is a relatively flat device,and barbs 58 extend in the same plane as label portion 26. However, itis to be understood that barbs or other features on insertion portion 24can extend from any angle radiating from the axis of wire 42. Moreover,exemplary embodiments of tag 20 include an insertion head 56 of adifferent shape than shaft 64 of insertion portion 24. However, it iscontemplated that a substantially uniformly wide insertion portion 24may be used. It has been found that such an insertion portion adequatelypierces a product 22 in many instances; however, a barbed insertion head56 has been found to enhance retention of tag 20 in product 22. Having arelatively narrow tip 60 on insertion portion 24 improves the ease withwhich insertion portion 24 penetrates a portion of product 22.

In an exemplary embodiment of tag 20, a removal load required toseparate an inserted tag 20 from a product 22 is greater than a punctureload required to insert the tag 20 into product 22. In exemplaryembodiments, a removal load is suitably in a range of about 3 pounds toabout 6 pounds. For some applications, it is desirable to remove anintact tag 20 from a product, as shown in FIG. 4. However, for someother applications, a weakened area may be provided at transition area66 between insertion portion 24 and label portion 26 to allow labelportion 26 to be broken off from insertion portion 24. Such aconfiguration may be desirable where label portion 26 serves as aremovable discount coupon, for example. Such a weakened area may beprovided with perforations, score lines, and other combinations ofpartial and full cuts through the tag assembly.

In exemplary embodiments, indicia 28 can be provided on either or bothof front surface 44 and rear surface 46 of an assembly 30, 32, 34 oflaminated layers from which tag 20 may be produced. Moreover, if atleast one of the layers 38, 40 is visually transparent or translucent,indicia 28 can be provided on an interface surface of at least one ofthe layers 38, 40, to be visible through a facing layer 38, 40. As shownin FIGS. 5A-7B, a margin M can be provided on either or both of frontsurface 44 and rear surface 46 of label portion 26 around an areadesignated as a printing “live area” P in which printing or otherprovision of indicia 28, 28′ can be located. Such a margin allows for alower tolerance in registration of the printing and shaping (i.e.,cutting) of tags 20. In exemplary embodiments, printing of indicia 28 onfront surface 44 and of indicia 28′ on rear surface 46 are provided inregistration with each other.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5A-15, prior to being secured to product 22, tag20 may be provided in a flat, non-bent state (as shown) or in apartially-bent state (for example, if provided in a roll or spooledform). FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a first exemplary assembly 30from which tags 20 may be formed. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of asecond exemplary assembly 32 from which tags 20 may be formed. FIG. 10is a cross-sectional view of a third exemplary assembly 34 from whichtags 20 may be formed. In exemplary embodiments of tag 20, insertionportion 24 is coextensive with label portion 26. Where tag 20 is formedof assembly 30 of FIG. 8, each of insertion portion 24 and label portion26 structurally includes rear film layer 36, front film layer 38,polymer layer 40, and wire 42. In exemplary embodiments, wire 42 extendsalong both insertion portion 24 and label portion 26.

Rear film layer 36 and front film layer 38 are desirably produced fromprintable materials, such as one or more paper-based materials and/orpolymeric materials to present indicia 28 (e.g., textual, graphical,colored, and/or machine readable information). Referring to FIGS. 8-10,indicia 28 may be disposed on either or both of front surface 44 andrear surface 46 of tag assembly 30, 32, 34. Provision of indicia 28,such as by printing, embossing, inlaying, or engraving, for example, canbe accomplished before or after the rear film layer 36, front film layer38, and/or layer 40 are assembled together. While either surface 44, 46may be positioned toward a viewer, in exemplary embodiments, the surface44 that does not include a protrusion of wire 42 is considered to be the“front.”

In one method suitable for forming assembly 30 of FIG. 8, wire 42 may bedisposed on front film layer 38. Polymer material in a softened state(such as molten polymer, for example) for layer 40 can be extruded ontofront film layer 38 to encase wire 42. Rear film layer 36 is laid uponlayer 40 and wire 42. Assembly 30 can be laminated together by niprollers that are configured to impart pressure on front surface 44 andrear surface 46. Front film layer 38, layer 40 and rear film layer 36are desirably produced from polymeric materials that exhibit stronginterlayer bonding to each other, thereby forming a durable laminateassembly 30 in which wire 42 is secured between front film layer 38 andrear film layer 36

To form assembly 32 of FIG. 9, wire 42 may be disposed on front filmlayer 38. Polymer material in a softened state (such as molten polymer,for example) for layer 40 can be extruded onto front film layer 38 toencase wire 42. Assembly 32 can be laminated together by nip rollersthat are configured to impart pressure on front surface 44 and rearsurface 46 as layer 40 cures. Front film layer 38 and layer 40 aredesirably produced from polymeric materials that exhibit stronginterlayer bonding to each other, thereby forming a durable laminateassembly 32 in which wire 42 is secured to front film layer 38 via layer40.

To form assembly 34 of FIG. 10, adhesive layer 48 and wire 42 may bedisposed on front film layer 38. Polymer material in a softened state(such as molten polymer, for example) for layer 40 can be extruded ontoadhesive layer 48 to encase wire 42. Assembly 34 can be laminatedtogether by nip rollers that are configured to impart pressure on frontsurface 44 and rear surface 46 as layer 40 cures. Front film layer 38,adhesive layer 48 and layer 40 are desirably produced from polymericmaterials that exhibit strong interlayer bonding to each other, therebyforming a durable laminate assembly 34 in which wire 42 is secured tofront film layer 38 via adhesive layer 48 and layer 40.

Many methods can be used to form assemblies 30, 32, 34 and tags 20therefrom. For example, in one method, components of the assemblies 30,32, 34 are laminated together, and the shapes of individual tags 20 arecut from the assemblies post-lamination. In another formation, filmlayers 36, 38 and wire 42 are assembled in a mold, and a resin for layer40 is injected into the mold. In yet another formation method, each ofthe components of tag 20 is cut into shape before the components areassembled together post-cutting. Insertion portion 24 and label portion26 may be integrally formed together in a continuous, in-linemanufacturing process, which preferably produces multiple tags 20 insheet and/or roll form.

In an exemplary embodiment of tag 20, because wire 42 provides addedrigidity to insertion portion 24, other areas of tag 20 can be made of aless stiff or rigid material. Particularly suitable materials includethose that can be easily printed and retain the integrity of markingsthereon without smearing or bleeding, even when wet. Additionally,suitable materials are sufficiently flexible and durable to withstandinsertion, bending, and unbending forces without undesired delamination,deterioration, cracking or breakage.

The materials and dimensions (such as thickness, for example) of each ofthe components of assemblies 30, 32, 34 are selected to impart therequisite rigidity for use of tag 20, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-6.Examples of suitable materials for rear film layer 36 and front filmlayer 38 include extrudable polymeric materials, such as polyolefins(e.g., low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, polyethyleneand combinations thereof). A suitable thickness for each of film layers36, 38 ranges from about 0.002 inch to about 0.008 inch, for example.

Examples of suitable materials for layer 40 include polypropylene orpolyethylene resins. A material for layer 40 is preferably selected tobe chemically similar to, and process compatible with, the materials forrear film layer 36, front film layer 38, and/or adhesive layer 48 toprovide strong bonds therebetween. Suitable properties for the materialof layer 40 include a hardness range of about 90 Rockwell R to about 110Rockwell R; a tensile strength range of about 3500 psi to about 7500psi; and elongation at yield of about 5% to about 20%, for example. Inexemplary embodiments, the material of layer 40 is clear or neutral incolor.

Examples of suitable materials for adhesive layer 48 include hot meltadhesives and acrylic adhesives. Such materials are flexible, to allowfor bending without cracking. Suitable materials are not tacky at retailtemperatures (such as temperatures in a freezer case, refrigerator case,warming case, or room temperature, for example). In some embodiments ofassembly 34, layer 48 forms a destructive bond between front film layer38 and polymer layer 40 having a greater than 1000 grams force (gf) peelstrength. Adhesive layer 48 desirably has a neutral color and is lessthan about 0.008 inch thick.

Wire 42 is a metallic or polymeric wire that desirably provides gooddead-fold properties, as well as high break resistance. For example, inone embodiment, wire 42 is a metallic wire (a stainless steel oraluminum wire, for example). However, metal wires may be undesirable foruse in some applications. For example, when food is commerciallypackaged for distribution to the public, it is desirable for thepackaging to allow inspection of packaged food for contamination byforeign objects. One common method of inspecting food products involvesthe use of metal detectors to confirm that no metal scrap or shards haveinadvertently been incorporated in the food product during production orpackaging of the food product.

Tags with metal wires, when attached to food products, preclude such useof a metal detector, since each tag that is attached to the food productwould typically generate a response by the metal detector. Thus, ratherthan simply detecting the presence of any undesired metal in thepackaged food, the metal detector would also indicate, for each package,the presence of the metal wire on the tag.

Accordingly, in other embodiments, wire 42 is a polymeric wire, such asa single component wire or a multiple component wire. Suitable polymericmaterials for wire 42 include polyethylenes (e.g., high-densitypolyethylenes), and those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,372,068;6,673,413 and 7,011,879. In embodiments in which the polymer material isa high-density polyethylene, the high-density polyethylene desirably hasa weight-average molecular weight ranging from about 130,000 to about150,000. The high density polyethylene also desirably has a density ofat least about 0.94 grams/cubic-centimeter, as measured pursuant to ASTMD792-08. A suitable tensile strength or rigidity for wire 42 ranges fromabout 90 ksi to about 125 ksi, for example (about 90,000 psi to about125,000 psi (pounds per square inch)). A suitable diameter for wire 42ranges from about 0.5 mm to about 0.8 mm (about 20 gauge to about 24gauge), for example. In exemplary embodiments, a diameter of wire 42 issignificantly less than a width W_(I) of insertion portion 24.

In some embodiments, the material of wire 42 may also include additionaladditives, such as colorants, fillers, dead-fold modifiers,biodegradable additives (e.g., oxo-biodegradable additives), toughnessmodifiers, bond promoters, ultraviolet-stabilizers, and the like. Inthese embodiments, examples of suitable concentrations of the additivesin the material range from about 0.01% by weight to about 10% by weight,based on an entire weight of the material. In one embodiment, suitableconcentrations of the additives in the material range from about 0.05%by weight to about 5% by weight, based on an entire weight of thematerial. The materials discussed above accordingly constitute theremainder of the material for wire 42.

While illustrated with a single wire 42, in other embodiments, insertionportion 24 may include more than one wire and/or other polymeric and/ormetallic insertion devices, such as pins, barbs, and the like. Moreover,while the illustrated embodiments of tag 20 show a single insertionportion 24, it is contemplated that multiple insertion portions 24 mayextend from label portion 26.

In use, an exemplary insertion portion 24 can withstand puncture loadsfor insertion into various products without substantial deformation. Forexample, as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 5 and 6, piercing of the core 52of a cabbage product 22 requires a puncture load range of about 1.5pounds to about 2.5 pounds. In exemplary embodiments, a length L_(I) ofinsertion portion 24 (parallel to wire 42) is about 0.25 inch to about1.0 inch. A length L_(I) of equal to or greater than about 0.25 inchallows an adequate insertion distance into a product 22. However, alength L_(I) of greater than about 1.0 inch is more likely to result inbuckling of shaft 64 during insertion. In exemplary embodiments, a widthW_(I) of insertion portion 24 is in a range of about 0.25 inch to about0.50 inch and in some cases is about 0.375 inch.

Some exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of a tag 20 configured to beinserted into a product 22 are described. The tag 20 has a length L_(T)and includes a label portion 26 having a first width W_(L). An insertionportion 24 extends from the label portion 26 and has a second widthW_(I) that is less than the first width WL. The insertion portion 24 hasa length L_(I). An elongated wire 42 extends along the length L_(I) ofthe insertion portion 24 to at least a part of the label portion 26. Thetag 20 has sufficient rigidity to enable a user to hold the labelportion 26 and force the insertion portion 24 into the product 22.

In an exemplary embodiment, the tag 20 includes indicia 28 disposed onthe label portion 26. In an exemplary embodiment, tag 20 includes firstindicia 28 disposed on a first surface 44 of the label portion 26 andsecond indicia 28′ disposed on a second opposing surface 46 of the labelportion 26. First indicia 28 and second indicia 28′ may be the same ordifferent indicia. In an exemplary embodiment, the label portion 26 andinsertion portion 24 are integrally fabricated from a first sheet 28 anda polymeric layer 40 adhered to the first sheet 28 such that the wire 42is encased within the polymeric layer 40, as shown in FIGS. 8-10. In anexemplary embodiment, the tag 20 includes a second sheet 36 adhered tothe polymeric layer 40 opposite the first sheet 38, as shown in FIG. 8.In an exemplary embodiment, the polymeric layer 40 is formed from amaterial having a hardness range of about 90 Rockwell R to about 110Rockwell R. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the first sheet38 and second sheet 36 includes a polymer.

In an exemplary embodiment, the wire 42 exhibits a dead-fold property.In an exemplary embodiment, the insertion portion 24 includes anarrow-shaped head 56. In an exemplary embodiment, the label portion 26is symmetric about the wire 42, as shown in FIGS. 1-13. In an exemplaryembodiment, the wire 42 has a tensile strength in a range from about 90ksi to about 125 ksi.

In another aspect, a method of attaching a tag 20 to a product 22 isdescribed. The method includes holding the label portion 26 and forcingthe insertion portion 24 into the product 22, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes bending the tag 20 at atransition area 66 between the label portion 26 and the insertionportion 24 to change an orientation of the label portion 26 with respectto the product 22, as shown in FIG. 3. In an exemplary embodiment, thebending is performed along a bending axis 54 that is substantiallyperpendicular to the length L_(I) of the insertion portion 24. In anexemplary embodiment, a puncture load of forcing the insertion portion24 into the product 22 is in a range of about 1.5 pounds to about 2.5pounds.

Although the subject of this disclosure has been described withreference to several embodiments, workers skilled in the art willrecognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departingfrom the scope of the disclosure. In addition, any feature disclosedwith respect to one embodiment may be incorporated in anotherembodiment, and vice-versa. All references mentioned in this disclosureare hereby incorporated by reference.

1.-15. (canceled)
 16. A method of forming a tag including: providing afirst layer; disposing a wire on the first layer; introducing a moltenpolymer onto the first layer to encase the wire; integrating the firstlayer, wire and polymer to form an assembly; curing the assembly,resulting in the polymer having a hardness range of about 90 Rockwell Rto about 110 Rockwell R; and forming the assembly into the tagincluding: a label portion having a first width; and an insertionportion: extending from the label portion; having a second width that isless than the first width; and having a length; wherein the wire extendsalong the length of the insertion portion to at least a part of thelabel portion.
 17. The method of claim 16 including disposing indicia onthe label portion.
 18. The method of claim 17 including printing theindicia on the label portion.
 19. The method of claim 16 including:disposing first indicia on a first surface of the label portion; anddisposing second indicia on a second opposing surface of the labelportion.
 20. The method of claim 16 including disposing a second layeron the polymer opposite the first layer.
 21. The method of claim 20wherein at least one of the first layer and second layer is provided ina form of a polymeric film sheet.
 22. The method of claim 16 whereinforming the assembly into the tag includes shaping the insertion portionto include an arrow-shaped head.
 23. The method of claim 16 whereinforming the assembly into the tag includes shaping the label portionsymmetrically about the wire.
 24. The method of claim 16 includingdisposing an adhesive layer on the first layer and extruding the polymeronto the adhesive layer.
 25. The method of claim 16 wherein forming theassembly includes providing the first layer, wire and polymer in a mold.26. The method of claim 25 wherein introducing the molten polymerincludes injecting the molten polymer into the mold.
 27. The method ofclaim 16 wherein introducing the molten polymer includes extruding themolten polymer.
 28. The method of claim 16 wherein forming the assemblyincludes laminating the first layer, wire and polymer between a pair ofnip rollers to form a laminated sheet.
 29. The method of claim 28including cutting a plurality of said tags from the laminated sheet. 30.The method of claim 16 wherein providing the first layer includescutting the first layer into a shape of the label portion.
 31. A methodof forming a tag including: providing a first layer; disposing a wire onthe first layer, wherein the wire has a tensile strength in a range ofabout 90 ksi to about 125 ksi, and wherein the wire exhibits a dead-foldproperty; introducing a molten polymer onto the first layer to encasethe wire; integrating the first layer, wire and polymer to form anassembly; curing the assembly; and forming the assembly into the tagincluding: a label portion having a first width; and an insertionportion: extending from the label portion; having a second width that isless than the first width; and having a length; wherein the wire extendsalong the length of the insertion portion to at least a part of thelabel portion.
 32. The method of claim 31 including: disposing firstindicia on a first surface of the label portion; and disposing secondindicia on a second opposing surface of the label portion.
 33. Themethod of claim 31 including disposing a second layer on the polymeropposite the first layer.
 34. The method of claim 33 wherein at leastone of the first layer and second layer is provided in a form of apolymeric film sheet.
 35. The method of claim 31 including disposing anadhesive layer on the first layer and extruding the polymer onto theadhesive layer.